45 handball terms explained, including the goal area, kempa, pivot, zone defense and passive play, each with a short definition.
Most handball terminology travels with the sport from the European leagues, which is why positions keep names that describe where a player stands rather than what they do. The words related to handball fall into attack, defense and the referee’s whistle, and the words associated with handball that confuse newcomers most are the defensive formations, which are named by numbers. Everything on this page, plus the terms the article does not cover, is gathered in the handball glossary below.
Must-Know Handball Terms, Phrases and Slang:
- Alley pass
- Block
- Check
- Dive shot
- Dribbling
- Fast break
- Goal area
- Hattrick
- Inflight
- Jump shot
- Keeper
- Line player
- Pivot
- Rebound
- Screen
- Sideline throw
- Suspension
- Tactic board
- Timeout
- Wing player
- 7-meter throw
- Assisting
- Circle runner
- Crossover
- Fake
- Free throw
- Man-to-man defense
- Playmaker
- Referee throw
- Zone defense
Handball Glossary: Every Term A to Z
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 5-1 defense | One defender pushes forward to disrupt the playmaker while five hold the line behind. |
| 6-0 defense | All six outfield defenders spread out along the six-meter line in a flat wall. The most common formation in handball. |
| 7-meter throw | A free shot from the seven-meter mark, awarded after a foul that destroys a clear scoring chance. |
| Alley pass | A long, flat pass that cuts through the defense to a teammate in space. |
| Assisting | The pass that directly sets up a goal. |
| Backcourt player | One of the three players in the second row, the left back, centre back and right back, who shoot from distance. |
| Block | A defender stops or deflects a shot with the hands or body. |
| Check | Defensive pressure applied to an opponent to limit their movement and options. |
| Circle runner | Another name for the line player, working on the six-meter line with their back to the goal. |
| Corner throw | Awarded to the attacking team when a defender last touches the ball before it crosses the goal line. |
| Crossover | Two attackers swap positions at speed to pull defenders out of shape. |
| Dive shot | The attacker leaps toward the goal area line and releases the ball in the air before landing. |
| Dribbling | Bouncing the ball while moving. A player may take three steps, dribble, then take three more. |
| Empty goal | A team pulls the goalkeeper for an extra outfield player, leaving the goal unguarded. |
| Fake | A pretended pass, shot or change of direction meant to move a defender the wrong way. |
| Fast break | A direct attack launched the moment possession changes, before the defense can set up. |
| Free throw | Restart from the spot of a minor foul, taken with a pass. Defenders must stand back three meters. |
| Goal area | The semicircle in front of each goal, marked by the six-meter line. Only the goalkeeper may stand in it. |
| Goalkeeper throw | The restart the keeper takes from inside the goal area after a save or a ball over the goal line. |
| Hattrick | Three goals by the same player in one match. |
| Inflight | A player catches a pass in the air over the goal area and shoots before landing. |
| Jump shot | A shot released at the top of a jump, to gain height and shooting angle over the defense. |
| Keeper | The goalkeeper, the only player allowed inside the goal area and the only one who may play the ball with the feet there. |
| Kempa | A pass thrown into the air over the goal area for a teammate to catch and shoot before landing. |
| Line player | The attacker who works on the six-meter line, setting screens and finishing from close range. |
| Man-to-man defense | Each defender marks one specific opponent rather than an area. |
| Nine-meter line | The broken line outside the goal area. Free throws are taken from it and backcourt shots are launched over it. |
| Passive play | Attacking without a genuine attempt on goal. The referee warns first, then hands the ball to the other team. |
| Pivot | The attacker turning and shielding near the goal area, the same role as the line player. |
| Playmaker | The centre back who runs the attack, sets the tempo and opens gaps for others. |
| Rebound | A loose ball after a save or a shot off the post, and the scramble to reach it first. |
| Red card | Immediate removal from the match, usually after a third two-minute suspension or a serious foul. |
| Referee throw | The referee throws the ball up between two players to restart play after simultaneous offenses. |
| Resin | The sticky substance players rub on their hands so the ball can be held and thrown one-handed. |
| Screen | A player blocks a defender's path with the body so a teammate gets free. |
| Sideline throw | Restart from the touchline, awarded to the team that did not put the ball out. |
| Six-meter line | The solid line marking the goal area. Field players may jump over it but not land inside with the ball. |
| Steps | The three-step limit. A fourth step without a dribble is a turnover. |
| Suspension | Two minutes off the court for a rough or unsporting foul. The team plays a player short until it ends. |
| Tactic board | The small board a coach uses in a timeout to draw movement and set plays. |
| Throw-off | The pass from the centre of the court that starts each half and restarts play after a goal. |
| Timeout | A one-minute break called by a coach for rest or instructions. Each team has a limited number. |
| Wing player | The attacker on the far left or right, scoring from tight angles and leading fast breaks. |
| Yellow card | A formal warning from the referee. A player or team gets few of them before suspensions follow. |
| Zone defense | Defenders cover areas of the court rather than individual opponents. |
#1 Alley pass
In handball, an alley pass is a long and precise throw that cuts through defenders to reach a teammate, often leading to a scoring opportunity. It’s a strategic move requiring skillful execution and timing.
#2 Block
A defensive move where a player attempts to stop or deflect an opponent’s throw or shot at the goal. Effective blocking can disrupt the opposing team’s play and prevent scoring chances.
#3 Check
To ‘check’ in handball is to apply defensive pressure to an opponent, restricting their movement and options. It’s a technique used to force errors or regain possession of the ball.
#4 Dive shot
A dynamic offensive technique where the player leaps towards the goal area line and shoots the ball while airborne. This acrobatic move is designed to evade blocks and increase scoring chances.
#5 Dribbling
In handball, dribbling is the action of bouncing the ball while moving across the court. It’s essential for advancing the ball and evading defenders but must be done within the rule-set to avoid violations.
#6 Fast break
A fast break is a swift offensive strategy where a team moves the ball quickly down the court after gaining possession, often leading to a scoring chance before the opposition can set up their defense.
#7 Goal area
The goal area, also known as the crease or goalkeeper’s area, is a zone near each goal in handball where only the goalkeeper is allowed to stand. This area is typically marked as a semicircle around the goal and is off-limits to field players, who cannot step into or land in this area with the ball.
#8 Hattrick
A hattrick in handball occurs when a player scores three goals in a single game. This term is commonly used across various sports to denote a similar achievement and is often celebrated as a significant individual accomplishment.
#9 Inflight
An action where a player receives the ball while jumping towards the goal and shoots before landing. It demonstrates athleticism and the ability to score under pressure.
#10 Jump Shot
A shot taken by a player who leaps into the air and releases the ball at the peak of their jump. This move is used to gain height and space from defenders, making it harder to block.
#11 Keeper
Also known as the goalkeeper, the keeper is the player responsible for guarding the goal area. They are the only player allowed to touch the ball with their hands within the goal area.
#12 Line Player
A position in handball where the player operates near the opponent’s goal line. They are pivotal in creating space and scoring opportunities, often receiving the ball in tight spaces.
#13 Pivot
A maneuver or player similar to the line player, the pivot rotates around a point to shield the ball or create space. Pivots often initiate offensive plays near the opponent’s goal area.
#14 Rebound
The act of gaining possession of the ball after it bounces off the goal post or is saved by the keeper. Players must react quickly to secure rebounds and maintain or regain control of the play.
#15 Screen
An action where a player uses their body to block or shield an opponent to help a teammate gain space. A well-set screen can be pivotal in opening pathways to the goal.
#16 Sideline Throw
A sideline throw in handball is awarded when the ball crosses a sideline and is last touched by a player from the defending team. The throw is taken from the point where the ball crossed the sideline, and it allows the offensive team to retain possession and continue their attack.
#17 Suspension
In handball, a suspension is a temporary punishment where a player is sent off the court for two minutes. It occurs after infractions such as rough play, and the penalized team must play with one fewer player during this time.
#18 Tactic Board
A tactic board is a tool used by handball coaches during timeouts or training to visually communicate strategies and player movements. It helps players understand positioning, plays, and defensive setups for effective in-game execution.
#19 Timeout
A timeout is a strategic break in the game called by the coach or requested by players, used for rest, tactical discussions, or to disrupt the opposing team’s momentum. Each team has a limited number to use per match.
#20 Wing Player
The wing player is a fast and agile position in handball, responsible for covering the sides of the court. They execute quick attacks, wide jumps, and sharp angles in shots to score from the wings.
#21 7-meter throw
Awarded after certain fouls or infractions within the goal area, a 7-meter throw is a free throw towards goal from the seven-meter mark. It’s a critical scoring opportunity against the goalkeeper, similar to penalty kicks in football.
#22 Assisting
In handball, assisting refers to the action of a player passing the ball to a teammate in a way that leads directly to a goal. It’s a key part of the teamwork required to dismantle defenses and score.
#23 Circle Runner
In handball, a circle runner is an alternative term for the line player, who operates around the six-meter line and tries to create scoring opportunities or block defenders. They are crucial in orchestrating offensive plays and setting screens.
#24 Crossover
A crossover in handball is a maneuver where two players switch positions quickly, intending to confuse the defense and create space for shots or passes. It often involves a swift exchange of the ball to exploit defensive gaps.
#25 Fake
A fake is a deceptive move where a handball player pretends to pass, shoot, or move in a certain direction to mislead opponents. It’s a skillful technique that can create openings for advancing the ball or taking a shot.
#26 Free Throw
After a minor foul or infringement, a free throw is awarded from the spot of the offense. The attacking team resumes play with a pass from the free-throw line, attempting to maintain their offensive momentum.
#27 Man-to-Man Defense
Man-to-Man defense is a strategy where each defender is responsible for marking and closely guarding a specific opponent. This approach can be physically demanding but effective in disrupting the flow of the opposing team’s play.
#28 Playmaker
The playmaker in handball is the central figure in offense, typically positioned at the backcourt. They coordinate the team’s movement, make strategic passes, and create scoring opportunities, much like a point guard in basketball.
#29 Referee Throw
A referee throw in handball occurs when play is stopped due to an infringement or situation where possession is contested (e.g., simultaneous violations by both teams), and the ball is dropped between two players by the referee to restart play.
#30 Zone Defense
Zone defense in handball is a defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for covering a specific area or “zone” of the court rather than marking a specific opponent. This tactic is used to disrupt the offensive flow by reducing passing lanes and forcing turnovers, relying on teamwork and spatial awareness to cover the court effectively.
FAQ
What is the defense called in handball when all six defenders spread out along the line?
A 6-0 defense. All six outfield players stand along the six-meter line in a flat wall, which is the most common formation in the game. Pull one defender forward and it becomes a 5-1.
What does dribbling mean in handball?
Bouncing the ball with one hand while moving. A player may take three steps, then dribble, then take three more steps before passing or shooting. Picking the ball up and dribbling a second time is a violation.
What is zone defense in handball?
A defense in which each player is responsible for an area of the court rather than a specific opponent. The formations are named by how the defenders are stacked, such as 6-0, 5-1 or 3-2-1.
What is the semicircular area around the goal in handball called?
The goal area, also called the crease. It is marked by the six-meter line, and only the goalkeeper may stand inside it. Field players may jump over the line but must release the ball before landing.
What is the 7-meter throw in handball?
A free shot from the seven-meter mark with only the goalkeeper defending, awarded when a foul destroys a clear chance to score. It is the closest thing handball has to a penalty kick.
What do you call the ball retrieved after a missed shot in handball?
A rebound. It is the loose ball after a save or a shot off the post, and either team can win it.
The vocabulary groups into attack (fast break, jump shot, pivot, crossover, screen), defense (6-0, block, man-to-man, zone) and the rules (steps, passive play, suspension, 7-meter throw). The handball glossary above lists them all.
What are some Handball terms for beginners?
“Dribbling,” “Fast break,” and “Goal area” are some Handball terms beginners should start with. These concepts are key to understanding offense, defense, and the play area in Handball.
What are some funny Handball terms?
“Inflight” and “Pivot” are some funny Handball terms. Inflight refers to a player catching and shooting the ball mid-air, while Pivot may humorously reference the player’s central role or an actual turning move.
What is a famous Handball phrase?
“7-meter throw” is a famous Handball phrase. It refers to a penalty awarded for serious infractions, drawing parallels to the penalty shot in soccer, and showcasing a pivotal moment in scoring.
